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"As part of this process Glastonbury Abbey will take back Abbey House for its own use."

Margaret Morris, from the Friends of the Abbey House group, said: "Many local residents have expressed regret regarding this news.

"When I came to live in Glastonbury in the mid 70's, it seemed to be a given that the Abbey represented the heart of Christianity in the town and even the UK! The Abbey offered free entry to local residents and a nominal charge for visitors.

The trustees have agreed a development plan for the whole abbey precinct, including Abbey House, to secure the future of Glastonbury Abbey

"The Abbey Trustees make reference to 'storage and office accommodation' - what a sadness that the House and beautiful gardens, which have given peace and joy to so many, will likely be swallowed up with day to day administration.

"I wonder if this could have been an opportunity for the Abbey to have absorbed the Abbey House into its own work, maintaining the current service and thus offering a spiritual dimension to the Abbey experience."